Formulating a Maintenance Plan for Your Building’s Air Ducts
Air duct cleaning is something every building needs roughly every three to five years. However, if you have a building with high foot traffic, high occupancy, or recent renovations, it can mean dirtier air ducts. You will want to have the ducts cleaned more frequently in these situations. Many properties that never get the ducts cleaned will often deal with a slow efficiency drain on their system. Others will only have the ductwork addressed every decade or so once the HVAC system needs replacing. Knowing how often and when to have your ducts looked at and cleaned will help provide many benefits. If you are noticing with the change in seasons that you are getting dust that overwhelms your filters or you see higher energy bills, it is time to contact experienced technicians to take a look.
Why Preventative Maintenance is Important
Regularly maintained HVAC systems and associated ductwork will keep your business environment comfortable and safe. Not only is it recommended to have the system checked at scheduled intervals, but some manufacturer warranties will also require proof of maintenance before validating claims.
Air duct cleaning becomes necessary should you notice your indoor air quality (IAQ) begins to suffer or energy bills become unreasonable. How can you tell if your ductwork has reached the point of needing a cleaning? These are some of the top signs to watch out for:
- Signs of mold near vents or musty smells – Mold and mildew smells are distinct, and you will never forget it once you catch a whiff. When dust and debris layer inside your ducts, they can retain moisture. This creates an optimal environment for mold spores to thrive and colonize. Along with the smell, you may also notice patches of microbial growth on ceilings and walls near vents.
- You notice constant dust or particles coming from vents – Whenever your interior accumulates a lot of dust fast, it could be a sign that your ductwork is holding onto some debris. Once too much builds up, it blocks the supply of return air into the building.
- Smells or visible signs of pests or rodents – The unfortunate truth about vermin and insects is they love getting into the ductwork. It acts as a pathway for mice, rats, and other critters to crawl through your building, leaving droppings behind. Due to health concerns, you should call professionals for duct cleaning once you notice the slightest indication of an infestation.
- The power bills seem to rise, although your system is in decent shape – If you notice an unexplained spike in bills, it could mean your HVAC system is working overtime to get the job done. Whenever a buildup blocks airflow, the system must work harder to move the air around.
- Any recent remodeling or improvements – This becomes the prime time to clean your air ducts after you have in-wall repairs and remodeling projects. Even if you or your contractors are careful when working or cleaning up after the project, the chances are high that dust and debris will end up within the ductwork.
- It has been five or more years since the ducts got a thorough cleaning – How long has it been since you had professionals clean your air ducts? They should be cleaned at least every three to five years, with some properties needing more attention due to various circumstances such as high traffic or high occupancy. If it has been a while, then it is time to contact the AdvantaClean team to help you remove the dirt, dust, debris, dander, and allergens lurking without your duct system.
Regular, professional air duct cleaning and maintenance is the best way to ensure your business's safe and healthy indoor air quality. Our AdvantaClean team has the technology and training to loosen caked-on debris and safely remove it without damaging your ducts. Contact us today to learn more about increasing energy efficiency, improving air quality, and eliminating the spread of potentially harmful mold spores and bacteria.
